ISLAMABAD: Talks between the government and protest leaders failed on Monday with no breakthrough in sight as the protest leaders continue to demand the resignation of Federal Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid. 

The government's team comprised Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Raja Zafarul Haq, Rana Sanaullah and Captain (retired) Safdar. 

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal had summoned the emergency meeting after appearing before the Islamabad High Court which had ordered the government to clear the protestors by Saturday morning. 

Ahsan Iqbal hopeful of resolving Islamabad sit-in within 24-48 hours

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called an emergency meeting of religious scholars belonging to all schools of thought over the ongoing protest in Islamabad at 3pm today

Earlier today, the interior minister, after appearing before the Islamabad High Court, had appealed to the protesters once more to end their sit-in peacefully.  

Iqbal had said once more that the government wants to avoid taking action for fear of bloodshed. 

He had added that the Khatam-e-Nabbuwat laws are stronger than before.

"The impression that we compromised on Khatam-e-Nabbuwat is not correct. I am hopeful that we will resolve the issue in 24-48 hours," he said further. 

On Sunday, the interior minister had said that all options are available for dispersing the Islamabad protest, adding that a security operation is the last option as the government will try to avoid bloodshed.

The Islamabad High Court had given the government until 10am November 18 to remove the protesters 'with force if need be' but the government did not do so and instead opted for negotiations to find a peaceful way out.

Operation, though last option, is possible anytime against Islamabad sit-in: Iqbal

Religious parties have been camped at Faizabad Interchange in protest against the government for almost two weeks

The government had conducted another round of negotiations on Saturday night, but that too ended in stalemate with the protesters refusing to budge from their primary demand for the law minister's resignation. 

The religious parties have been protesting against the change in the finality of Prophethood oath in the law when the government passed the Elections Act 2017 last month. The change, dubbed a clerical error by the government, was immediately fixed as an amendment was passed later. 

They also want responsibility fixed on other officials involved in the incident. Sources said on Saturday that protesters have refused to hold talks until Hamid is removed.

The protest has disrupted life in the capital and Rawalpindi, causing inconvenience as well as at least two reported casualties due to ambulances being unable to cross the protesters.